Due to increased demand, Crystal Cruises is introducing new Crystal Adventures in Italy that enable guests to cover more ground – by way of the sky.  The helicopter excursions, which range from $1,995 to $3,268, include adventure options that fly over the Amalfi Coast, Mt. Etna, the Dolomites and myriad portions of the Italian countryside.

The aerial excursions are included in a portfolio of 18 brand-new Crystal Adventures debuting in Italy alone this year, and created as a result of guests’ requests for one-of-kind excursions – regardless of cost.

“Aerial excursions are romantic, thrilling and offer a unique perspective of a destination,” says John Stoll, director, land programs.  “European aerial adventures have limited availability and are among the first to sell out.  More important than the cost, the issue at hand is the exclusivity and experiential nature of the excursions themselves.”

The new Crystal Adventures, available with 16 Mediterranean itineraries aboard Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony, were designed to dig deep into the artistic, historical and cultural highlights of each and every port Crystal visits.  With guest safety of paramount concern, the line contracts with the most reputable local tour operators.

Available from Rome, Venice, Taormina and Sorrento, programs include:

* Mount Etna by Helicopter
In addition to majestic views of Europe’s largest active volcano, Mt. Etna, guests visit picturesque Taormina, with plenty of time for independent exploration.

* Majestic Dolomites by Helicopter
Aerial sites include Venice, Treviso, the Piave River, Longarone, Mt. Civetta and Belluno – as well as a landing in Cortina d’ Ampezzo for lunch.  

* Etruscan Landscapes by Helicopter
Taking flight from a farmhouse near Tarquinia, travelers fly over Lake Bracciano, Lake Vico and Rome, and low over Civita, dating back to 3,000 BC.
* Aerial of Amalfi Coast to Capri
Flying over the Dolomitic Cliffs, Positano, Mt. Vesuvius, Pompeii and Naples, guests dine at Capri’s fashionable Grand Hotel Quisisana, a favorite spot for celebrities and the local elite.

Crystal Cruises’ Mediterranean season runs from April through October, with a choice of seven-, 11- and 12-day itineraries from Rome, Venice, Barcelona, London, Athens and Monte Carlo.  Cruise fares start at $2,995, per person, double occupancy.  Crystal’s biggest ever Mediterranean sale offers additional savings off most levels of accommodations with most departures.